Widows are visible everywhere in this Sunday’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, exemplifies great faith. Faith is the anecdote to fear. Scarcity is the fear that we won’t have enough or won’t get our share. Our false belief that having more money and “stuff” will save us binds us. In many cases, having less can free us to live by faith. This – rather than supporting any religious institution – is the true lesson of stewardship: “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Like these two widows we hear the call to “Boldly Live, Boldly Give” and “Step Up in Faith” every day! Join us Sunday as our guest preacher, TLLC member Pastor Dave Seddelmeyer, reminds us of this call: “we lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you, we are an offering” (ELW # 692).
image: The Widow’s Mite by James Tissot (French, 1836–1902). Image from 3LH-Fine Art. Copyright © 2022 SuperStock. Used by permission.